Personal hygiene cleansing system

ABSTRACT

A personal hygiene cleansing system is disclosed which stores and dispenses various personal hygiene components in a non-sequential order through a dispensing storage component. The package also includes a storage opening for refuse containment of at least all of the different components inclusive to the cleaning system and additional stowage of generated refuse not borne of the cleansing system relative to the user&#39;s restroom needs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable and disposable personal hygiene cleansing system which specifically stores and dispenses personal hygiene components in a non-sequential order. The cleansing system includes a compliant package having a dispensing opening, a hand protection device having contact area cleansing and drying features, and personal hygiene and/or related components independently accessible via another dispensing/storage opening.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Users of public restrooms typically respond to public restrooms with a certain amount of fear and apprehension. The reason for this is that public facilities are generally not considered by users as clean, convenient or well-equipped environments. Additionally, it has been held by the medical community that a public restroom can pose potential health problems due to contact with unclean surface areas. The result is that a large population of restroom patrons do not feel confident using public and/or unfamiliar facilities due to the presence of germs and bacteria on unclean contact surfaces. Moreover, such facilities are subject to a minimal degree of maintenance, or lack thereof As such, basic restroom supplies needed by a patron may or may not be available, including essentials such as toilet tissue or hand soap, and, to a lesser degree of basic need, items such as toilet seat liners, moistened towellettes and hand sanitizer. Also, with respect to these items, if the products are available, they may exist in an undesirable or inoperative condition, thus precluding the user's reasonable expectation of a restroom function. Therefore, a need exists for a complete, self-sufficient personal hygiene cleansing system. As to date, no such combination of components and/or method exists to fully satisfy the described user needs.

[0003] In the Cook et al patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,057), the patent discloses a personal care convenience kit which dispenses different hygiene components in a sequential, one item for use at a time fashion through a single dispensing opening. A shortcoming of the Cook patent is that it is not designed as a multi-folding unit so as to minimize overall closed dimensions while maximizing an open state area. Another shortcoming is that it does not facilitate the storage and/or containment of system generated, non-flushable refuse via a waste receptacle. A further shortcoming is that it does not utilize a non-restrictive dispensing compartment in order to store and dispense one or more various individual components in a non-sequential order. A still further shortcoming is that it does not provide or suggest the use of a hand-protecting cleansing glove or mitt as part of the cleansing system. A still further shortcoming is that it does not provide for the included toilet paper component to consist of separate sheets made ready for immediate use by the user without additional encumbrances thereupon such as the inherent need for a two handed operation in which to manually separate needed sheets from an included bulk supply. A still further shortcoming is that it does not provide a minimal folded toilet seat liner so as to reduce user's mandatory handling prior to usage and probable risk of damage to the component. A still further shortcoming is that it does not provide for a component to hygienically remove the toilet seat liner from the toilet seat in the event the seat liner becomes adhered to the toilet seat following use. And a final but not exclusive shortcoming is that it does not provide for an exterior storage compartment with a reclosable fastener and a tamper-evident feature which, as a unit is sealed to the exterior of the carrying component allowing for additional component storage as desired by the individual user.

[0004] In the James et al patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,044), the patent discloses a flexible cleaning and drying mitt that has a pouch compartment that is proportioned for receiving the hand of a user. The mitt has work surfaces that includes a wetting face and a drying face. A shortcoming of the James et al patent is that it does not provide for a collapsable bladder in which a fluid can be stored and released onto the attached absorbent material; of which, by location on the cleansing glove can reduce actual and/or perceived physical contact sensation to the affected finger tips and finger pads, thus minimizing user's apprehension associated with potential contamination via undesirable contact from unclean contact areas. A further shortcoming is that it does not incorporate onto the design of the cleaning glove an articulated thumb(s) cavity to promote added dexterity. A final but not exclusive shortcoming is that it does not provide for an enlarged and/or protruding, extruded and/or extended pull tab surface area located at or near the wrist area of the cleaning glove which provides for a pull-tab function to aid glove removal in a further effort to reduce cross-contamination.

[0005] In the Oster patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,789), and also in the Morin patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,934), the patents disclose mitt-like cleaning pads having cavities to receive a hand. A shortcoming of these patents is that they do not provide for an ambidextrous hand protecting cleansing devise consisting of a covering for the hand having either a six digit glove, a three digit mitt, or separate sections for each of the fingers and the thumb while extending part way up the arm while allowing for either left or right hand acceptance in its entirety so as to provide more complete hand protection. A final but not exclusive shortcoming is that they do not provide for a one-hand operable protective glove with respect to hand acceptance, detachment from carrying component, and the utilization of the wet cleansing pad and/or dry wipe pad.

[0006] A striking improvement to the systems and devices described above would be to to provide an apparatus and method of using the apparatus which would include one or more personal hygiene cleansing products or product(s) relative thereto, enveloped and/or fastened onto a moisture impervious thermoplastic or alternative material housing, in such a way as to facilitate simplified non-sequential removal of components in order to simplify the cleansing process. Such an apparatus would address the diverse needs of the user, as well as provide for added refuse, and ultimately promote the safe discarding of the entire package with the ultimate result of reducing a user's efforts and minimizing an overall handling of both package and contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The multifunction personal hygiene cleansing system of the present invention provides a viable remedy to this long standing and ever increasing problem associated with restroom use by providing users with a portable system facilitating the diverse functions of restroom activities in a simplified and hygienic manner. The present invention functions as a one package/one use system, relative to the needs of the user while providing for added capacity for discarding of the entire package with a reduced exterior contamination. As detailed below, the present invention is a foldable carrying component that minimizes overall closed dimensions while maximizing an open state with the packing arrangement providing accessibility for various system components while in the open state.

[0008] In the opened and operational state, the component may be securably mounted via an attached mounting strip onto a surface such as a restroom stall wall or door. The mounting strip is on the inside of the closed unit so as to preclude possible damage to the mounting strip until used. In a simplicity of presentation, translucent material(s) are employed for the system's component storage and refuse containment.

[0009] Additional layout of the unit-type construction includes one or a plurality of personal hygiene cleansing products. The products are enveloped and/or fastened via a suitable adhesive onto the carrying component in such a way as to facilitate non-sequential removal of the components from the package.

[0010] The present cleaning system also provides a hand-protecting cleansing glove or mitt for antiseptic “wet” cleaning and drying of potential contact areas relative to restroom use. The hand-protecting cleaning glove may be outfitted with articulated extensions or thumb cavities to promote added dexterity as well as ambidextrous use with the articulated thumb cavity providing a protected ability to release a liquid cleansing agent onto the attached cleaning pad. The cleaning pad is made suitably wet by the agent via a weak piercable film of the liquid agent storage housing. The hand protecting cleaning glove also provides a protruding surface area located at or near the wrist area of the system's cleaning glove. The protruding area provides a readily accessible pull-tab aiding in glove removal by pulling the glove inside out to insulate contaminated areas away from unwanted contact with the user. The present cleaning system also facilitates the containment of generated refuse by the system via an incorporated waste receptacle. The cleaning glove includes a dry wipe pad affixed to the back side of the glove which can be used in conjunction with an individually enclosed cleansing towellette. Preferably the protective glove would have a pre-moistened cleaning pad on the front side of the hand and a dry wipe pad on the back side of the hand; however, alternative arrangements may be used.

[0011] Additionally, the system includes an exterior storage compartment which is affixed to the carrying component. The exterior storage component may include a tamper-evident feature and/or a resealable feature. Users can use the exterior storage compartment to supplement the cleansing system to include component(s) of their choice such as additional hand wipes, medicated wipes, tampons, hand sanitizer, cotton tipped swabs, hand cream or other items of the user's choice.

[0012] The system may include a component promoting a fragrance, such as a typically found “fresh” scent. This component can be incorporated onto the interior of carrying component and activated by the opening of the carrying component or as a stand alone attached component within the carrying component.

[0013] Accordingly, following system use and upon the user compacting the component package into the waste compartment, both the system's housing and added refuse can then be folded into itself so as to sufficiently secure enclosed refuse. The used system would then be made ready for disposal into an appropriate trash receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood with reference to the following associated drawings, wherein like features are given the same reference numeral, and:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a profile view of the personal hygiene cleansing system of the present invention with the cleansing system shown in a ready-to-use state and with the protective glove shown detached for purposes of illustration;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a profile view of the personal hygiene cleansing system of the present invention with the cleansing system shown in a portable closed state;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the protective glove of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the protective glove's anti-bacterial pad being dampened prior to a sanitizing operation, which is shown detached for purposes of illustration;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protective glove of the present invention with the dampened wipe pad shown in a wiping operation;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the protective glove of the present invention with the glove being inverted for future disposal;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cleansing system of the present invention with the view depicting the use of the tissue liner; and

[0022]FIG. 8 is a profile view of the cleansing system of the present invention depicting the folding directions used for closing the carrying component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are achieved by various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed elements, which are discussed in greater detail below, wherein FIG. 1, a personal hygiene cleansing system 10 of the present invention is shown in a ready-to-use state. The personal hygiene cleansing system 10, hereinafter identified as the “cleansing system”, comprises a foldable carrying component 12 with the carrying component including but not limited to the hygiene products of a hand-protective glove 14 (shown detached for illustrative purposes), a toilet seat tissue liner 16, a supply of toilet paper 18, a disposable towelette 20, a receptacle 22, hand sanitizer 24, air freshener packet 25, and cotton swab packet 26.

[0024] The hygiene products are configured in the carrying component 12 for easy access by the user but are not configured for a limiting sequential use. Attachment of the hygiene components to an inner surface 28 may be accomplished by a glueing section 29 or any other affixing section easily detachable by the user. Alternative configurations of hygiene products may be disposed in the carrying component 12 to suit varying physical demands of the user. Surplus storage for hygiene products such as toilet paper, toilet seat liner, and/or other hygiene products may be in a reclosable, translucent component storage bag 30, in which the component storage bag is detachable by the glueing section 29 or any other affixing section.

[0025] The carrying component 12 is a foldable membrane preferably made of plastic; however, alternative packaging materials known to those skilled in the art may be used. In the figure, a longitudinally extending mounting strip 31 is disposed between a first fold 32 and a mounting edge 33. As will be discussed in detail below, the mounting strip provides an attachment point for the carrying component 12 for attachment to exterior surface such a restroom receptacle wall.

[0026] In use, the cleansing system 10 is brought by a user to the receptacle of a restroom. The carrying component 12 in FIG. 2 is opened by tearing open a peel seal 34 and/or a pull tab 35 associated with the peel seal with the peel seal 34 disposed on edge 36. The peel seal may include a fresh scent fragrance activated upon the opening of the carrying component 12. Once the peel seal 34 is torn open, the edge 36 and sidewall 38 are expanded outwardly in directions 40 and 42, exposing the hygiene products of the cleansing system 10. The mounting edge 33 (shown in FIG. 1) is folded away from the inner surface 28 at the first fold 32. The mounting strip 31 is originally enclosed within the carrying component 12 to prevent damage to the mounting strip before it is used as part of the cleansing system. The adhesive mounting strip 31 is attached to an exterior surface within the restroom receptacle.

[0027] An exterior storage compartment 43 with a reclosable fastener and a tamper-evident feature is sealed to the exterior surface 44 of the carrying component 12. The exterior storage compartment 43 provides storage for any additional hygiene product desired by the individual user. Similar to the carrying component, the exterior storage component may be accessed by an additional peel 34.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, when in use a user inserts their hand into the protective glove 14 and in the same motion detaches the protective glove 14 from the carrying component 12 (shown in FIG. 1). The protective glove is preferably an oversized disposable glove of approximately of 1.5 mils thickness; however, alternative glove material types providing a septic barrier would be known to those skilled in the art. The protective glove 14 is preferably an ambidextrous glove with three-digit leading extensions 45 and two articulating extensions 46 is shown; however an ambidextrous protective glove 14 having six digit extensions or alternate digit extensions may be used. A first profile 48 of the glove is provided with an anti-bacterial pad 50 attached to the leading extensions 45 and manipulated by the leading extensions 45 for a cleaning motion.

[0029] As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the anti-bacterial pad 50 preferably includes a plastic collapsible bladder or reservoir of anti-bacterial cleansing agent 52 wherein the cleansing agent dampens an absorbent membrane 53 upon a rupturing force of the protective film 54 by the articulating extension 46. If the protective glove is utilized for functions other than the personal hygiene system, then contents of the collapsable bladder or reservoir may vary according to the designated use. Upon dampening of the pad 50, the user in a cleaning motion with the leading extensions 45, wipes all contact areas of the restroom receptacle based upon their individual hygienic concerns.

[0030] Once the contact areas have been cleaned to the user's satisfaction, a wipe pad 56 of the protective glove 14 is used to provide dry contact areas of the restroom receptacle. Shown in FIG. 5, the wipe pad provides the ease of utility of the anti-bacterial pad 50. The wipe pad 56 is attached to an opposite profile 58 in proximity to the leading extensions 45 of the protective glove 14. The wipe pad 56 wipes all dampened contact area of the receptacle or any other contact areas based upon an individual user's needs. Upon completion of sanitizing any contact areas by dampening and/or drying, the protective glove 14 is ready to be discarded.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, an extruded and/or extended pulltab 60 is provided at the base 62 of the protective glove 14 such that the glove may be pulled by the tab in the direction of the leading extensions 45. By pulling the glove off in this manner, the exterior surface 66 of the glove becomes an interior area 70 with the waste products of the sanitizing operation on the exterior surface 66 being contained the newly formed interior area 70. By being contained in the interior area 70, the waste products can be disposed of into the receptacle 22 with reduced contact to the user.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the tissue liner 16 is detached and/or removed from the carrying component 30 and applied to a toilet seat 72 or similar receptacle. Once used, the tissue liner 16 may be deposited in the receptacle 22 or flushed. If necessary, a cotton swab from the cotton swab packet 26 may be used to hygienically remove the toilet seat liner from the toilet seat in the event the seat liner becomes adhered to the toilet seat following use. Similar to the use of the tissue liner 16, the hand sanitizer 24, air freshener packet 25, cotton swab packet 26, and/or the towelette 20 may be detached and discarded in the receptacle 22. Once the user has finished with the cleansing system 10, the carrying component 12 and is detached from the exterior surface of the restroom receptacle. The carrying component 12 is refolded to the configuration of FIG. 2. Using folding direction 76 shown in FIG. 8, the receptacle 22 is folded upward to the carrying component 12 along fold line 78. The edge 36 and sidewall 38 of the carrying component 12 are folded in direction 80 and 82 along fold lines 84 and 86 to form the closed carrying component. The carrying component 12 is then deposited in a proper waste receptacle. The hand sanitizer 24 previously detached from the carrying component 12 can be used for a final cleaning.

[0033] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made thereto by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments might be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention so further described in such appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A disposable personal hygiene system, the personal hygiene system comprising: a containable carrying component including an interior surface and an exterior surface boundaried by an edge; a protective glove disposed within the carrying component; a first reclosable component storage bag attached to the interior surface; and a refuse receptacle disposed within the carrying component.
 2. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 1, further including a mounting strip.
 3. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the mounting strip is disposed on a foldable section of the interior surface such that the foldable section exposes the mounting strip to a mounting surface.
 4. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the carrying component is a multi-foldable unit.
 5. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 4, further including a second reclosable storage bag attached to the exterior surface such that the second reclosable storage bag provides additional storage of components.
 6. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 5 further including a peel seal such that the peel seal maintains the carrying component in a closed state.
 7. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 5 wherein the peel seal further includes an activable fragrance.
 8. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 6, further including a pull tab attachable to the edge such that the pull tab assists in a transition from a closed state to an open state for the carrying component.
 9. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 8, further including a toilet seat liner attachable to the interior surface.
 10. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 9, further including a towelette attachable to the interior surface.
 11. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 10, further including a hand sanitizer attachable to the interior surface.
 12. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 11, further including a supply of toilet paper supplied as individual pads for single handed extraction by a user.
 13. The personal hygiene system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the refuse receptacle is extendable from the carrying component.
 14. An ambidextrous protective glove; said protective glove comprising a hand-covering body with rupturable collapsible bladder, with said hand-covering body, delimiting a selected length size as measured from an edge bounding a fitting opening into a proximal end of said body to fingertip enclosures on a distal end of said body.
 15. The protective glove in accordance with claim 14, wherein the protective glove further includes an absorbent membrane such that the membrane dampens with contents of the collapsible bladder.
 16. The protective glove in accordance with claim 15, wherein the protective glove further includes leading extensions.
 17. The protective glove in accordance with claim 16, further including a drying pad is disposed on an opposite exterior face of the leading extensions.
 18. The protective glove in accordance with claim 17, wherein the glove further includes articulating extensions forming a three-digit mitt.
 19. The protective glove in accordance with claim 18, wherein the protective glove further includes a pull tab such that the pull tab inverts an interior face of the glove thereby containing the interior face of the glove.
 20. The protective glove in accordance with claim 17, further including articulating extensions forming a six digit glove. 